Ireland
Irish Christmas Traditions
Nollaig Shona Dhuit is Merry Christmas in Irish Gaelic, which is still taught in schools in Eire, the Irish Republic. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Christmas in Ireland is a traditional holiday in both parts of the island, and very much a family and religious celebration!
Typical Foods of Ireland
Corned beef and cabbage and soda bread are often thought of as foods of Ireland, but many people are surprised when they find that these foods are not typical Irish fare. The country's cuisine is generally made up of simple dishes made of lamb, beef or fish and containing some form of potato. They are lightly seasoned and simple, yet flavorful and filling.
Ireland: Political structure
Ireland is a parliamentary, representative democratic republic and a member state of the European Union. While the head of state is the popularly elected President of Ireland, this is a largely ceremonial position with real political power being vested in the indirectly elected Taoiseach (prime minister) who is the head of the government.